From farmer to PM's right hand man: Macfarlane retires

by AndrewBackhouse

Andrew Backhouse
Journalist

I love studying history, particularly the Roman Republic, ancient Greece and the First French Empire.
My other interests include jogging, playing chess and watching documentaries.
There’s not a subject I’m not interested in and I love my job.
I’m always available for a chat especially over a wine or coffee.

The MP also came under fire in July last year when it was revealed he had spent $11,000 charter flight from Canberra to Toowoomba to open a new arts centre.

In 2014 he denied any role in the approval of the New Acland coal mine after the New Hope Group paid for a corporate box at a rugby union game between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in Brisbane in October 2012.

Recently former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the resources industry should be gracious to him for his service.

""It was a magnificent achievement by the [member] for Groom in his time as minister … and I hope the sector will acknowledge and demonstrate their gratitude to him in his years of retirement from this place," Mr Abbott said.

Mr Macfarlane said after his retirement he would "look around" for corporate opportunities and ways to use his experience."

Mr Macfarlane said he would continue to live in Toowoomba.

"I've put down roots here and God willing will spend the rest of my time here," he said.

Mr Macfarlane is hoping John McVeigh will replace him as Member for Groom.

"The next Member for Groom will be there for the opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, but I'll be there in spirit," he said.

"Once it's completed we need to start construction of rial, there are wonderful opportunities for Toowoomba and that will play a big role.

"The foundation for Toowoomba is very solid and it's a place with much more opportunity, perhaps when I first came in.

"Toowoomba will be an economic powerhouse for years to come."

He'll retire on a very comfortable pension, and will receive at least $150,00 a year.